Electric switch.



C. J. KLEIN.

ELECTRIC SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED IUNE I2, 191|.

Paented Sept. 18, 1917.

2 SHEETS-SHEET l.

4 f5 1,5% j z I "Yl' n C. J. KLEIN.

ELECYHIC SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE l2, 191|.

-SHEET 2.

Patented Sept. 18, A1917.

2 SHEETS :N .J M r i. QKWMM M W y y 7 UNITED STATES PATENT oEEicE.

CHARLES J'. KLEIN, 0F MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, ASSIGNOR T0 THE CUTLER-HAMMER MFG. CO., OF MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, A CORPORATION CF WISCONSIN.

ELECTRIC SWITCH.

Application led .Tune 12, 1911.

To all whom t may concern.'

Be it known that I, CHARLES J. KLEIN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Milwaukee, in the county of Milwaukee and State of Wisconsin, have invented new and useful Improvements in Electric Switches, of which the following is a full, clear, concise, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawing, forming a part of. this specification.

My invention relates to electric switches.

Among the objects of my invention is to provide an improved electric switch vvof exceedingly compact construction which is arranged to make or break an electrical circuit with a quick snap action and which may be used wherever a small compact quick break switch is desired. A further object' of myv invention is to provide improved means for attaching the switch to a support. Other objects and advantages of my .improved construction will hereinafter appear.

In the accompanying drawing I have illustrated two forms which my invention may assume in practice, but these forms have only been chosen as means of illustrating` the principle of my inventionl which itself may assume other forms.

In the views of these drawings Figure 1 shows a perspective view of one form of my improved switch when applied to use as a Candelabra switch.

Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal sectional view through the switch illustrated in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows a sectional view on line 3 3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 shows a partial sectional view on line 4-4of Fig. 2 with a portion of a canopy in section.

Fig. 5 shows a partial central sectional view through a modified form of switch.

Fig. 6 shows a sectional View on line 6 6 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 shows a sectional view on line 7-7 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 8 shows a detail view of the bushing shown in Figs. 5 and 6.

Fig. 9 shows a detail view of one of the terminal members.

The construction shown in Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive will first be considered. In these figures I havc'illustrated a switch mecha- Specification of Letters Patent.

Patenteasept. 1s, 1917.

Serial No. 632,531.

nism of the push and pull type housed between the parts of a two part casing composed preferably of insulating material and arranged to be secured together by the terminal members of the switch mechanism.

In a preferred lform the switch mechanism is of the type described in my previous Patent No. 985,421 patented February 28, 1911. However, in the construction described in these figures the switch mechanism illustrated in that patent has been modified. The switch mechanism includes a reciprocable cam 1 of the conformation of a double frustum positioned base to base, preferably constructed of metal as for instance a brass shell. This shell is mounted upon the reduced end 2 of an operating rod or shaft 3, one end of which extends beyond the cam member and is provided with a push button 4 preferably removably attached to the same as by a thread'. In a preferred form the shell 1 is insulated from the body of the reduced portion 2 by providing it ,with .a bore of greater' diameter than the diameter of the reduced portion 2 and spacing it apart from this portion 2 by insulating washers 5 housed in radial grooves at the ends of the bore of the shell. Thus it is seen that the cam member is insulated from the shaft so that no shocks may be received by the operator.

Thel cam member 1 is arranged to reciprocate in the chamber 6 formed between the two parts 7 and 8 of an insulating casing, in which a contactor 9, preferably of the construction described in my co-pending application Serial No. 628,782, filed May 22, 1911, now Patent No. 1,162,865, patented December 7 1915, is arranged to be reciprocated upon the cam member. In a preferred form the casing members 7 and 8 when assembled have a substantially rectangular cross-section and are composed of a suitable insulating material such for instance as porcelain or molded stone. The parts of the casing are preferably held together by transversely extending terminal members 10 preferably of a rectangular cross section and extending through the opposite sides of the chamber 6. The opposite ends of the terminals are preferably housed in recesses 11 and 12 in the outer surfaces of the opposite sides of the casing and are accurately positioned in these recesses by accurately screwed upon their threaded ends.

stamped spacing strips 13 preferably of insulating material. The outer,ends of these terminals are preferably screw threaded as at 14 and the parts of the base are preferably arranged to be held together by taps n a preferred form one of the conductors for the switch mechanism is arranged to be connected on each side of they switch mechanism to one of the terminals between the tap and the spacing strip. If desired the ends of the terminals may be provided with enlarged heads 16 having out-turned ears arranged to permit the ready connection of the conductor or if desired the conductor may be soldered to the terminal.

In a preferred form a threaded bushing 17 of insulating material having a substantially rectangular shaped base 18 arranged to be received within the chamber 6 and to asbut against an end wall of the same is inserted between the parts of the base so that its threaded back extends through a recess 19. In a preferred form vthe inner end of this bushing 17 is provided with a tapered recess 20, arranged to receive the end of the cam member, and a communicating recess 21 of circular cross section arranged to permit the reciprocation of the rod 3, the wall between the recesses 2O and 21 serving as a stop for the cam member. At the opposite side of the chamber 6 a tapering recess 22 Vsubstantially similar to the recess 2O is provided which is adapted to receive the opposite end of the cam member. If desired the back wall of the same may serve as a stop for the cam member. In a preferred form thel bushing 17 is held in position in the recess.,

19 by a washer 23 preferably having a beveled inner edge and adapted to clamp between this inner edge and the outer surface of the base members a perforated cap 24 arranged to cover the recesses within which the ends of the terminals are housed. This cap is preferably composed of an insulating ma-i terial such as fiber. In order to permit the terminals to pass down along the sides of the base members and up into the recesses 11 and 12 beneath the cap 24, the base members are preferably provided on their opposite sides with grooves 25 and 26. The outer threaded end of the bushing 17 preferably carries clamping taps or nuts 27 and 23 which may be used to clamp the device in position on any suitable support by clamping a portion of the supporting body between the two clamping nuts. For instance in Fig. 4f I have shown my improved switch in position in a canopy. As shown in this figure all that it is necessary to do when. applying my improved switch to a canopy 1s to bore a hole in the canopy, insert the switch and attach it by tightening the locking nuts. In a preferred form the nut 28 is provided having upper and lower extensions 31, eX-

tending substantially at right angles to the body portion of the bracket and provided with threaded sleeves 32. At a point between the extensions 31 the bracket is preferably provided with a perforation 33 which is adapted to be secured upon the threaded bushing 17 between the washer 23 and the nut 27.', The lower end of the bracket 30 may be screwed upon a standard fixture nip: ple in the position shown in Fig. 1, while the upper end of the bracket may support a socket-supporting spindle 34 having a threaded lower end 35 arranged to be carried in the threaded sleeve 32 and carrying a suitable socket 36 on its upper end. The conductor connected to one of the terminals of the switch device is brought up into the position shown in F ig. 1 and connected to one of the lterminals of the socket, while the other conductor is connected to the lead extending through the fixture. As is usual in such constructions the other terminal of the socket is connected to the other conductor brought in through the fixture, the circuit being broken in one of its branches only. lhen my improved switch is applied to this use it is assembled in the position shown in Fig. 1 and the candle is placed in position over the socket and the switch supporting bracket so that it incloses these parts and the fixture presents a very neat and finished appearance.

In Figs. 5 to 9 inclusive I have illustrated a modified form of switch. In this construction I preferably employ a single base member 37 of non-shrinkable molded material such for example as molded artificial stone which has a co-eiiicient of expansion have their Walls arranged to limit the movement of the same. In this instance the parts of the casing are, however, held together 1n a different manner by screws 40 near the opposite ends of the casing and having thelr heads received in suitable recesses in the bottom of the casing 37 and suitably sealed therein if desired. The other ends of the screws extend through suitable recesses in the cap 38 to the outer surfaces of the same Where they pass through threaded perforations 4l and 42 in extensions 43 on a bushing 44. This bushing is provided with a threaded neck 45 and a lower ange 46 ar` ranged to rest flat against the outer surface of the cap 38. If desired the iange 46 and the extensions 43 may be integral with the bushing 44 or may be formed in separate parts adapted to be secured upon the bushing as shown in Fig. 5, and to engage a slightly enlarged locking edge 47. In a preferred form the bushing 44 is provided with a slightly tapered recess 48 adapted to receive a tapered projection 49 on the upper surface of the cap 38 surrounding the recess through which the operating shaft is passed, and the locking edge 47 on the bushing is preferably seated in an annular groove 50 formed around this tapered projection 49. Further, in a preferred form the outer end of the bushing is preferably provided with an annular recess 51 arranged to receive the inner` end of the push button.

As in the previous construction the conductors are preferably brought in at the corners of the base in vertically extending grooves 52 shown in Fig. 7 and are arranged to engage the opposite ends of the terminals 39. In the present construction however, the terminals 39 are preferably slightly longer than the chamber in which the contactor moves and their free ends are seated in oppositely located recesses in the sides of the same. Further, these terminals are provided with keystone extensions 53 arranged to be molded into the molded stone of the cover or cap 38 (Fig. 9). It is evident however that projections of various other shapes may be used as a means for securing the terminals Within the molded material. By so molding the terminals into the base I have been able to provide an exceptionally compact and serviceable construction in which it is unnecessary to use any screws or other additional elements for holding the terminals to the base. Further, since the material has a co-eflicient of expansion substantially the same as that of the metal, the terminals have a greater current capacity than has heretofore been possible without any shrinkage of the molded material. In a preferred form the terminals are provided at their ends with bent portions 54 having longitudinally extending slots 55. These bent portions extend above the grooves 52 in the sides of the base through which the conductors extend and the ends of the conductors may be inserted in the same when bent over into the hook shape down in Fig. 7, and securely held to the same by crimping the slotted ends 54 as shown in Fig. 7. As in the previous construction the base is preferably inclosed in an insulating cap 56 preferably composed of fibrous material and clamped to the base in the same manner as heretofore described. As in the previous construction one or more suitable locking nuts may be carried on the threaded end of the bushing and one of the same may be provided with an inwardly extending flange to protect the threads of the bushing.

When it is desired to operate the switch mechanism the push button is pushed in to throw thecontactor to circuit closing position wherein it bridges the terminals of the switch, and when it is desired to break the circuit the push button is pulled out to break the circuit in a well known manner. As the push button is pushed forward the cam member moves through the contactor to expand the garter spring and as the spring passes over the crest of the cani this contactor is thrown to circuit closing position with a quick snap action. The limit of travel of the contactor against the terminals with the edges of the contactor in the position shown in Figs. 3 and 7 between the sides of the terminals and the walls of the casing, is reached substantially simultaneously with the limit of travel of the cam member against the wall of the tapered recess in the casing. Thus all strain upon the parts is removed. When it is desired to open the circuit of the switch the push button is pulled out and the movement of the contactor is reversed, the limit of travel of the 'cam member then being established by engagement with the end of the tapered recess in the bushing in one form and the cover in another form, while the limit of travel of the contactor is established by e11- llO gagement with the side wall of the switch chamber. When it is desired to remove the switch device from any support all that it is necessary to do is to remove the locking nuts when the entire device may be taken out of position. When it is desired to obtain access to the parts of the switch mechanism all that it is necessary to do in the first construction is to loosen the taps on the ends of the terminals, while in the second construction all that it is necessary to do is to loosen the screws holding the cap to t-he main part of the base. Thus it is seen that the switch mechanism may be readily and conveniently operated and the parts of the -same may be readily assembled or disconmechanism is very compact and the parts and disconnected it is of an extremely conf venient construction adapting it to wide and various uses wherein a switch with a quick snap action is desired. Further when it is desired to place the switch in position in any device as for instance a canopy or other device having a sheet metal or other surface, all that it is necessary to do is to bore a hole in the surface, insert the switch from the rear so that thethreaded bushing extends through the hole, and then adjust the locking nuts so that the casing is securely attached or clamped in position. Further, by the improved arrangement of the casing and the form and insulation of the contact members the switch device is adapted to carry considerably larger currents and voltages than has heretofore been possible with switch devices of the same size.

While I have in this application described specific forms which my invention may assume, my invention is capable of assuming various other forms and being modified and adapted to a wide range of uses. Consequently I do not wish to be limited to the Iparticular form herein illustrated but rather wish to cover all of the various forms in which my invention may be incorporated which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Vhat I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is as follows l. A switch for concealed mounting, comprising, in combination, an insulating casing, a snap switch mechanism inclosed therein and having an operating member extending therebeyond, a bushing having an opening tol receive said operating member, means forsecuring said bushing to said casing, and

adjustable means carried by said bushing for clamping said casing to a suitable support.

2. A switch for concealed mounting, comprising, in combination, a snap switch mechanism, a protective supporting casingtherefor, said switch mechanism having` an operating member projecting beyond said casing, a bushing encircling said member, means for securing said bushing to said casing, and adjustable means on said bushing for detachably clamping said casing to a support.

3. A switch for concealed mounting, coniprising, in combination, a snap switch mechanism, a two-part casing therefor including an insulating base having thereon station- Leanne@ ary contacts for said mechanism, a threaded vbushing having an opening through which the operating member of said mechanism 1s movable, means for securing said bushing to one of the parts of said casing, and locking nuts threaded on'said bushing for effecting its attachment 'to a support.

4. A switch for concealed mounting, comprising in combination, a casing, a snap switch mechanism -therein having an operating member extending therethrough, an exteriorly threaded bearing for said member, means for securing said bea-ring to said casing, and adjustable-means carried by said bearing for attaching said casing lto a support.

5. A. switch for concealed mounting, comprising in combination, a two-part insulating casing, a snap switch mechanism inclosed between the parts of said casing and having an operating member operable from the exterior thereof, a bushing and means for fixing the same to one of the parts of said casing and having an opening through which said operating member extends, and removable and adjustable means carried by said bushing for clamping said casing toa suitable support.

6. A switch for concealed mounting, comprising, in combination, a metal canopy having an aperture, a snap switch mechanism having an operating member extending through said aperture, an insulating casing inclosing said mechanism, a threaded bushing-also extending through said canopy aperture, means for securing said bushing to n said casing, and a threaded nut on said bushand operable from the outside thereof, a

bushingfor said operating member, means for securing said bushing to said base, adjustable clamping means carried by said bushing, an insulating cover fixed to said base and inclosing said stationary contacts, and terminals for said contacts having connections for line wires exterior of said base and cover.

8. In an electric switch, a vreciprocating cam member, a contactor arranged to move thereon, a base inclosing said cam and contactor, and a threaded bushingcarried by said base arranged to limitk the movement of said cam member.

9. In an electric switch, a base, a snap switch mechanism'inclosed within the same, a bushing having an opening through which the operating member of said switch mechanism reciprocates, and adjustable means carried by said bushing for securing said casing to a suitable support.

10. In an electric switch, a snap switch mechanism, a base inclosing the same, terminal contacts extending across said base, a threaded bushing carried in said base and arranged to guide and limit the movement 0f the operating member of said switch mechanism, and locking nuts carried upon the threads of said bushing.I

11. In an electric switch, a snap switch mechanism, a base inclosing the same, terminal contacts extending across said base, a threaded bushing carried in said base and arranged to limit 'the movement of the operating member of said switch mechanism, locking nuts threaded on the threads on said bushing, and a cap covering the ends of said terminal contacts clamped between said locking nuts and'said base.

12. In an electric switch, a snap switch mechanism and base inclosng the same, terminal contacts extending across said base, a threaded bushing lcarried in said base and extending through one of the walls of the same, said bushing limiting the movement of the operating member of said switch member, locking nuts threaded on the threads on said bushing, a cap clamped between said base and said locking nuts, and

said locking nuts. f v

13. In an electric switch, a snap switch mechanism, a base inclosing the same, terminal contacts extending across said base, a threaded bushing carried by said base `a support to which said base'is clamped by Q and arranged to limit the movement of the nesses.

CHARLES J KLEIN. Witnesses D. A.' BROCK, W. L. ROCKWELL. 

